Lahore’s Lit Fest seems to have made a habit of causing quite a stir among the literary community. But this time was different; it didn’t go off without a scare. The city was already tense after the Police Line bombing, but then there were also rumours of an attack on the inauguration. The Punjab government, apparently, thought the event should be rolled back, in light of the threat of course. So many dignitaries are attending, after all, from all over the place. But, unlike the government (which is supposed to provide security), the organisers decided to brave it, and went ahead. Remember that the next time you hear Mian sb boasting the festival as his achievement.
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Now the strangest thing happened when the prime minister and army chief came out of their last high profile meeting in Quetta for the ceremonial group photograph. Usually N is very ‘aware’ in such circumstances. He makes sure he takes the prime slot in photo ops; covering quite a bit of the frame from the centre. But this time was different. Notice how Sharif the general beamed down the centre and Sharif the premier stood by the side? Was he just being gracious or was this another Freudian slip?
